Why Do You Keep Saying Yes?

The holidays are like a bottle of vodka. The further into it we go, the more of our truth we show.

I’ve never been much of a fan of drunken stupors personally but I do sometimes enjoy the little nuggets of truth that slip out when people are trapped in there. Alcohol is like a magnifying glass, showing with great exaggeration, all of the tiny little things that normally people keep tucked away. If you are a well-behaved-while-sober racist, intoxication is the perfect stage for your ignorant jokes. It works the same for haters of all kinds, by the way. Consider yourselves warned.

Also, if someone isn’t so in to their partner/spouse, they are far more likely to select a replacement while intoxicated. Of course, all of the fun of truth telling breaks down when these same say stupid things like, “It wasn’t me. I was drunk. You know that I would never cheat on you!”

Um, correction. The drunk you is still you. And yes, wise one, you cheated.

The holidays seem to have a similar effect on people. Stressed out, strung out, hysterical-because-you’ve-over-committed you… is still you.

I’ve noticed that people who say yes beyond their natural capacity (time, energy, money, brain power, etc.) throughout the year often become over-committed on steroids during the holidays. It might be that there’s just so much more to say yes to, or it may be that all of the holiday invitation/requests/asks are more glittery and jolly, and are therefore harder to resist this time of the year.

Perhaps it’s the whole Jesus’ birthday thing that has people more apt to give and give and give.

1 of 4

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Eternal G.

5:24PM PST on Dec 21, 2011

I DON'T!!!

send a green star

Monica Q.

10:06AM PST on Dec 19, 2011

a great article!! It's clear and depicting of things sometimes we just don't get at all, or we let happen without even noticing...

Nina A.

9:25AM PST on Dec 18, 2011

thanks.

Gloria W.

8:00AM PST on Dec 18, 2011

2012: My Year of Boundaries!! Thanks Christy!

Sue M.

10:45AM PST on Dec 14, 2011

thanks

Brenda T.

8:32AM PST on Dec 14, 2011

I just thank heaven that this is one problem I do not have!

Teresa W.

8:08AM PST on Dec 14, 2011

I don't drink.

Carol M.

5:55AM PST on Dec 14, 2011

not only getting drunk isn`t good for you but mabe celabrating xmas has a lot of draw backs also, wouldn`t ya say?

Marianna B M.

2:39AM PST on Dec 14, 2011

YOU WILL PROFIT MUCH MORE FROM BEING ABLE TO SAY NO THAN FROM NOT BEING ABLE TO SAY NO.

Anne G.

12:03AM PST on Dec 14, 2011

The best saying from years ago for me was "I just said no and I don't feel guilty!". Of course, I sometimes do, but I try to get over it. Enjoy the holidays.